Don't Forget to Celebrate

With the numerous rejections most writers face as they strive to get that first book published, I think it's important to celebrate! Celebrate what? Every little achievement -- completing the first draft, giving it to your critique group, tackling tough revisions, submitting it to a contest, receiving an award, pitching to an agent or editor, submitting to an agent or editor, signing a contract. All of these are milestones to be celebrated amid the dozens of rejection letters that come our way. I recently submitted a YA manuscript to the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold contest. I'd been struggling with one of the storylines and batting my head against the wall trying to decide whether to pursue this story or shelve it for awhile. I decided to submit it to the contest and request a critique. I felt good when I left it at the post office, so I celebrated. The manuscript had been through my critique group a few times, I'd made many revisions, and even won first place in the 2005 Paul Gillette contest with it. Still, I knew there was a problem with one of the secondary characters. I believed the story was solid and unique, but I couldn't work through the character to make her come to life on the page. I thought perhaps one more outside critique could help me decide on a course of action. I was stunned when I received a phone call notifying me that I was a finalist in the 2007 RMFW contest in the General Fiction category. Another reason to celebrate! And the critique I received back was very helpful, shedding some light on the exact issue I'd been struggling with. I don't know whether this book will find it's way to a publisher, but I'm excited about it again and reworking the tough parts -- and planning to submit a revised draft to my critique group soon to start the celebration cycle all over again.